List of International Cricketers Who Retired In 2019, several renowned cricketers said goodbye to international cricket. This is part of the natural cycle in sports, where new talent emerges as older players step aside. Many famous cricketers retired in 2018, and 2019 saw its fair share of farewells as well.
Shoaib Malik
Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) immediately after his last match in the ICC World Cup 2019. He plans to continue playing T20 cricket and hopes to participate in the World T20 next year. Malik debuted in the 1990s and played 287 ODIs, scoring 7,534 runs, making him one of Pakistan’s top batsmen. He also took 158 wickets in his career, which began in 1999 against West Indies.
Ambati Rayudu
Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu retired from all forms of cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), in July 2019. His decision followed his exclusion from the World Cup squad, despite being a standby player. In 55 ODIs, Rayudu scored 1,694 runs with three centuries and ten half-centuries. He also performed well in the IPL but announced his retirement after feeling sidelined. However, he later changed his mind, stating his initial announcement was made in the heat of the moment.
Hashim Amla
South African opener Hashim Amla ended his 15-year international career in August 2019. He played 124 Tests, 181 ODIs, and 44 T20Is, scoring 9,282 Test runs and 27 centuries in ODIs, the most for South Africa. Amla was known for his consistency and was a key player for South Africa for many years.
Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir, a celebrated leg-spinner for South Africa, retired from ODIs after the team’s early exit from the World Cup. He took 173 wickets in 107 ODIs and has been a key player since his debut. Tahir will continue to play T20 cricket and represent various franchises worldwide.
JP Duminy
JP Duminy announced his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup 2019. He had previously retired from Tests in 2017. Over his ODI career, Duminy scored 5,117 runs and took 69 wickets. He will still be available for T20 Internationals.
Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn, one of the greatest fast bowlers, retired from Test cricket due to injuries. He played 93 Tests and took 439 wickets, the highest for a South African. Steyn will continue to play ODIs and T20Is.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh, the 2011 World Cup hero for India, retired from international cricket in June 2019 after 18 years. He scored 8,702 runs in ODIs and played 40 Tests. Although not a regular Test player, Yuvraj was a significant contributor to Indian cricket and plans to play franchise cricket.
Johan Botha
All-rounder Johan Botha retired from all forms of cricket in January 2019, citing physical fatigue. He was notable in the 2011 World Cup and played over 500 matches, claiming over 500 wickets.
Venugopal Rao
Venugopal Rao announced his retirement from cricket last month. He played 16 ODIs for India, scoring 241 runs. His international career was cut short due to the emergence of younger players.
Lasith Malinga
Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga retired after an ODI against Bangladesh in July 2019. He took 338 wickets in 226 matches and was known for his unique bowling style. Malinga will still play T20 cricket.
Jade Dernbach
England’s Jade Dernbach announced his retirement after a long career, having played 24 ODIs and 34 T20Is. He is known for his slower deliveries and will continue to play domestic cricket.
Nuwan Kulasekara
Sri Lankan paceman Nuwan Kulasekara retired in July 2019. He took 199 wickets in ODIs and was one of the top bowlers for Sri Lanka.
Mohammad Amir
Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir retired from Test cricket in July 2019 but will continue in limited-overs formats. He played 36 Tests and took 119 wickets.
Solomon Mire
Zimbabwean all-rounder Solomon Mire announced his retirement after a tour of Ireland. He played two Tests, 47 ODIs, and nine T20Is, highlighting a memorable century in a win over Sri Lanka.
Ajantha Mendis
Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis retired in August 2019 after a notable career. He took 288 wickets in 145 matches and was known for his unique bowling style.
Chamara Kapugedera
Former Sri Lankan captain Chamara Kapugedera retired recently after a career filled with ups and downs. He played 102 ODIs and struggled to maintain consistency but is now focused on coaching.
Vernon Philander
Vernon Philander announced his retirement after the series against England. He debuted in 2011 and became one of South Africa’s leading bowlers, taking 51 wickets in his first seven Tests.
Peter Siddle
Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle retired on December 29, 2019. He played 67 Tests, known for his hat trick on his birthday during the Ashes. Siddle will continue playing domestically.
